Bigger, better, multi-linguistic Call Centre and info packs at airports to help fans navigate a textured, exciting destination
Johannesburg – THE 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is upon South Africa, and as fans arrive in their hundreds of thousands, South African Tourism unleashes an inventory of destination advice and helpful resources to make their stay in South Africa as much fun, and as hassle free, as possible.
The South African Tourism Call Centre, that up until now has focused its services on people who call from outside South Africa, now offers news and information especially for visitors calling from inside South Africa, too.
Call Centre agents are able to give information on what to do in each of the host cities; on accommodation available; on the football match schedules; on where to find FIFA Fan Fests™ and other public viewing areas; and on transport logistics for getting between the country’s main centres.
To cope with World Cup demand, the number of Call Centre agents has been increased from 14 to 55 for the duration of the World Cup. Between them, the agents will answer queries in Spanish, German, Dutch, French, Italian, Portuguese and English. English callers will be helped 24/7. All other callers will be helped from 9am to 9pm every day for the duration of the World Cup.
The Call Centre may be accessed by dialling +27 87 803 4636 from any telephone.
“It’s not enough to just enjoy the World Cup. The tourism and travel industry also needs to use this period to position South Africa as the very best place, and the friendliest place, in the world to come on holiday,” says South African Tourism ceo, Thandiwe January-McLean.
As many as 15 000 South Africans have each written personal messages of welcome to World Cup visitors. These hand written messages, on postcards, are being distributed to the hotel rooms of 2010 foreign guests to give visitors a real and tangible sense of the nation’s excitement and warm, friendly, welcoming spirit.
‘Welcome’ bags will be given free to 300 000 fans touching down at the international airports. The bags contain maps of the country, stadium information and hints and tips on how to understand our unique brand of English. Each bag also contains a booklet that offers a very helpful, yet sunny, set of tips on how to navigate the cultures of the thousands of different people who will be in South Africa to cheer their teams on.
South Africa realistically expects about 300 000 foreign fans to visit the country in the next four weeks. The World Cup itself will draw a cumulative television audience of about 30 billion viewers. These people will have one thing on their minds: the football. However, South African Tourism is determined to use the opportunity the World Cup offers to educate a planet in love with football about a destination at the tip of Africa that’s warm, welcoming, accessible, friendly and oozing texture, charm and excitement.
